Harvey Proctor resigns as Duke of Rutland’s private secretary

Former Tory MP Harvey Proctor has resigned as private secretary to the Duke of Rutland following a search of his home by police investigating allegations of historic child abuse.

Mr Proctor, 68, says he is retiring from his post. In a statement released by Belvoir Castle, Mr Proctor said: “I have had an enjoyable 14 years working at Belvoir Castle and I thank the Duke and Duchess and all with whom I have worked for their kindness and assistance over these years.

“I have decided to retire from my post as private secretary and this is with the blessing of the Duke and Duchess.”

Mr Proctor has a home on the Belvoir Castle estate but it is not known if he will have to leave it.

Earlier this month his home, which lies in the grounds of the 16,000 acre estate, was searched by officers from Scotland Yard probing allegations regarding a Westminster paedophile ring.

Operation Midland was launched by the Metropolitan Police last November following claims that boys had been sexually abused by VIPs including politicians, members of the judiciary and senior military figures more than 30 years ago.

Mr Proctor, who left Parliament in 1987 after pleading guilty to acts of gross indecency, has denied he knew anything about a VIP paedophile ring alleged to have existed at Westminster during the 1970s and 1980s.